Mumbai Metro-3 Nears Final Stages: State Allocates Rs 1,163 Crore Direct Funding To MMRC For December 2024 Completion

The Maharashtra state government has approved Rs 1,163 crore for Metro-3, Mumbai's inaugural underground metro corridor linking the suburbs to South Mumbai.

This approval raises the total project cost to Rs 37,275.50 crore from the initial estimate of Rs 23,000 crore.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is responsible for implementing the 33.5 km long Metro Line-3.

The government has taken the decision to provide the funds directly to the MMRC, instead of routing it through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), to streamline the financial disbursement process and expedite the remaining construction phases of the metro project.

According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a major supporter of Metro-3, the project has faced delays primarily due to challenges in land acquisition, obtaining necessary approvals, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by Hindustan Times.

“Metro 3 is the most important transport corridor in the city as it connects several major landmarks, key educational institutions, and key business centres. We intend to further intensify our efforts to complete the project under the leadership of MMRCL,” stated Saito Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India.

The much-awaited corridor is slated to commence operations this year. Nearly 98 per cent of the work on the corridor has been finished. The first segment between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is expected to open to the public in September.

The second phase, linking BKC to Colaba, is expected to be operational by December 2024.

The corridor will link the southern Cuffe Parade business district to the north-central SEEPZ area, featuring 26 underground stations and one at-grade station.